Health and additional needs in focus

This month we will be focusing on health and additional needs here at AFF.

We’ll be signposting you to the additional needs and health support available; whether from the military, Government or external agencies.

With 2020 being the Year of the Nurse, we will be shining a light on the valuable work of nurses who juggle their careers with military life, and more recently their wonderful work responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Please look out for the article in the summer edition of Army&You

We’ll also be running a quick poll on our Facebook page on Service children with SEND who do not have a school place due to lack of specialist provision or exclusion.

Throughout May, keep an eye on our social media for updates.

What’s happened in the last year?

Last year, AFF saw a 40% increase in enquiries about mental health, including the impact of postings on transferring mental health support. Families also raised concerns about feeling isolated and the impact of separation on their health.

Housing was the top concern for families with additional needs. More than 200 families have sought advice about obtaining additional needs and disability adaptations (ANDA) to SFA for their family member, support for retention on medical grounds or advice on mid–tour moves for medical, education or welfare reasons.

AFF has worked with organisations and stakeholders including NHS England & NHS Improvement, the Department of Health & Social Care, healthcare providers in the devolved nations and the Medical Supportability Working Group to push for change on the issues that affect you.

We’ll continue working on your behalf to improve the outcomes for the concerns that affect your family.

Additional needs groups

The Aldershot and Tidworth groups are kindly supported by Aspire, but due to COVID-19 are currently suspended, but as we understand how important they are for families, we are investigating whether we can run some virtual groups and will endeavour to get them up and running again as soon as we can.

We’re here to help

We encourage you to speak to us about any issue you are having. Check out our webpages here or get involved on social media. You can also speak to our Health & Additional Needs Specialist Karen Ross on 07552 861983 or email additionalneeds@aff.org.uk